Disorders of the Vestibular System

Book excerpt: An up-to-date, comprehensive review of disorders of the vestibular system authored by some of the most prominent experts in the field, this book covers basic vestibular mechanisms, clinical evaluation, common vestibular diseases, and treatment of vertigo. Part I reviews the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system focusing on clinically relevant material. Part II analyzes specific details in the patient's history, examination, and laboratory evaluation pointing to the probable site of lesion and likely pathophysiology. Patient history is emphasized since it is the critical first step in understanding the patient's complaints. Part III covers the differential diagnosis and specific treatments of common neurologic disorders. A separate chapter surveys the common syndromes encountered in neurotology. Part IV discusses general principles of treatment relevant to all vestibular disorders. Designed primarily to help physicians who treat patients complaining of dizziness, this book is also a complete source of reference to practitioners in internal medicine, family practice, otolaryngology, neurology, head and neck surgery, and neurosurgery.